Milan Confident in Swift €20m Antonio Silva Deal as Mendes Orchestrates Move

FolioPitch.com – 29 June 2026 | According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there is growing optimism that AC Milan can finalize a €20 million transfer for Benfica defender Antonio Silva without prolonged negotiations. The headline ‘GdS Why Milan feel they can wrap up 20m deal for Benfica star quickly’ encapsulates the club’s belief that super-agent Jorge Mendes will expedite the process, exploiting Silva’s contract situation and desire to leave.

AC Milan have already secured a marquee signing for their attack with Goncalo Ramos arriving from Benfica for a staggering €70 million, but the Rossoneri are far from finished. The next priority is reinforcing the defense, and the target is another Portuguese talent: António Silva. The 22-year-old center-back has been on Milan’s radar for some time, and the club’s new coach, Rúben Amorim, has given his seal of approval. In fact, the entire operation is being orchestrated by Mendes, who represents both Silva and Ramos.

The key factor in Milan’s confidence, as detailed in ‘GdS Why Milan feel they can wrap up 20m deal for Benfica star quickly’, lies in Silva’s contract situation. The defender’s current deal with Benfica runs until June 2027, but he has refused to sign an extension. Recent comments in an interview—’I don’t know if I’ll sign’—have signaled his desire for a new challenge. This puts Benfica in a difficult position: either sell him this summer or risk losing him for free later. The result is a reduced asking price, with Milan hoping to secure his services for around €20 million.

Jorge Mendes is set to meet with Benfica’s leadership in Lisbon today to formalize the player’s wish to leave and negotiate the terms. The agent will also present a salary proposal of €3 million per season for Silva—doubling his current wages—with a contract until 2031. The feeling in Italy is that the deal could close quickly, especially after Juventus’s failed attempts to land Silva in previous windows. Their recent interest has waned, leaving Milan as the primary suitor.

Benfica’s recent signing of Clément Lenglet from Atletico Madrid is seen as a separate move, not necessarily a precursor to Silva’s exit. However, it does provide cover if Silva departs. Silva himself is eager to join his former Benfica teammate Goncalo Ramos at Milanello, and he has already reported for pre-season training but expects to leave before mid-July.

The optimism surrounding this transfer is a testament to Milan’s aggressive approach under new ownership. The club’s determination to build a strong spine—from goalkeeper Mike Maignan to striker Ramos—now includes a top-class center-back. ‘GdS Why Milan feel they can wrap up 20m deal for Benfica star quickly’ highlights the streamlined negotiations, thanks to Mendes’s influence and Silva’s clear intentions. The deal could be finalized within days, giving Milan a significant boost ahead of the new season.

In conclusion, AC Milan are on the verge of another strategic signing that aligns with their ambitious project. The combination of a player wanting out, a powerful agent pulling strings, and a club needing to sell makes this a perfect storm for a swift transfer. If successful, Antonio Silva will become the second Portuguese star to join the Rossoneri this summer, strengthening a defense that aims to compete at the highest level.